Macao

Non-resident worker authorization and card

Work and stay for the authorized employer and occupation, evidenced by the non-resident worker card.

Who qualifies

• The employer first needs Labour Affairs employment authorization; the worker’s stay filing then needs that authorization, application form, photograph and valid passport.
  Macao SAR Government: Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card application
• Skilled workers complete a first examination, receive a return slip when approved, then complete the remaining steps after arrival; the card expiry follows the authorized employment period.
  Macao SAR Government: Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card application

You keep your U.S. citizenship.

This visa doesn’t lead to a passport.

1. 2027
   First residence permit

   1 year, renewable for 1 year at a time.

Time away

A foreign national becomes eligible to apply only after obtaining Macao permanent-resident status, ordinarily after seven continuous years. Approval is discretionary and proof of every foreign nationality’s renunciation is due within six months after approval.

Two passports

Usually not: new citizens are asked to give up their other citizenship.

• Time on this program does not count toward permanent residence or citizenship; the family would need to switch to one that does.
• Card validity follows the authorized employment rather than a universal term; time as a non-resident worker is expressly excluded from Macao ordinary residence.